Export Processing Zones

Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are export oriented industrial enclaves which provide the infrastructures, the facilities, administrative and support services for a wide variety of enterprises. Bangladesh’s highly successful EPZs in Dhaka and Chittagong are now complemented by new EPZ developments and other valuable real estate developments around the country.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) is the official organ of the government to promote, attract and facilitate foreign investment in the Export Processing Zones. The primary objective of an EPZ is to provide special areas where potential investors would find a congenial investment climate, and location free from cumbersome procedures. Businesses from 32 countries have so far invested in the existing zones.

There are currently eight zones with others due to open in the next few years

FDI Magazine’s rankings

FDI Magazine of The Financial Times in March 2010 conducted a competition entitled “Global Ranking Competition of Economics Zones” based on the following nine categories of ranking:

Best Overall Global Special Economic Zone

Best Economic Potential

Best Cost Effectiveness

Best Facilities

Best Transportation Link

Best Incentives

Best Promotion

Best Airport

Best Port

In the competition out of 700 Economic Zones globally 200 participated in the competition. All the zones were evaluated on a 10 point scale on the basis of some set criteria. Among the top 10 of the two categories Chittagong Export Processing Zone, Bangladesh scored 3rd position in the “Best Cost Effectiveness” and also 4th position in the “Best Economic Potential” for 2010-2011